Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“Order something good, Aunt Sloane,” Kaden instructs from the living room.
I groan as I pull out the food delivery app. Dempsey takes my phone out of my hand and then sets to ordering all the food. I’m actually okay with it because I get damn tired of figuring out what to feed my nephew all the time.
Dempsey sprawls out on the couch while I slip away to my bedroom. I quickly shed my uniform and change into something more comfortable—a pair of yoga pants and a baggy T-shirt. Not exactly my best outfit, but I’m going for comfort, not style.
I tug at the hairband keeping my bun in place and let all my blond tresses loose. After scratching the achiness out of my scalp, I walk back into the living room barefoot.
Dempsey, who’s taking up most of the couch like it’s his throne and he’s the king, drags his ravenous stare up my frame. He must like what he sees—despite it being frumpy and boring—because he bites on the inside corner of his bottom lip, appreciation glimmering in his gaze.
“What?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Nothing. Want to sit outside while we wait on the food?”
I give him a nod and then head for the back door. My back patio is one of my favorite places on earth. It has a breathtaking view of Park’s Peak and backs up to a thickly wooded area. I have neighbors on either side, but they’re both elderly and keep to themselves. It’s about as private as someone on my salary could hope for.
Dempsey makes himself comfortable on my porch swing. Many weekends I sit out here, unwinding from a busy workweek. I’ll just swing and drink iced tea or I’ll piddle in the flower beds. Sometimes I get a wild hair to hack away at firewood for the winter.
“Come sit,” he murmurs, voice deep and husky.
A thrill shoots through me, making my skin flush. Being here alone with Dempsey probably isn’t the smartest idea, but I’m not exactly saying no either. Truth is, I’m beginning to enjoy his presence. I really like being around him.
I plop next to him, our thighs touching. He stretches an arm behind me, resting it on the back of the swing. I have a sudden urge to curl up against him and close my eyes. Of course I don’t do that and instead remain stiff and awkward. I am Sloane Thurman after all.
He shifts and then his fingers are toying with a lock of my hair. I should tell him not to do it, but the truth is, it feels nice. We gently rock as he plays with my hair, neither of us saying anything. It’s peaceful and I do find myself relaxing in his presence. Each muscle slowly loses its tension as my mind clears itself of all the scattered thoughts I’ve been having.
Then his other hand curls around my bicep closest to him. He rubs his thumb over my arm, through my T-shirt. His touch is intimate and promising. I have no business letting him do this.
Yet do I stop him?
Hell no.
The tenderness is a balm to my stressed-out brain.
He leans closer, his hot breath tickling my hair near my ear. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Sloane.”
His words shock me, unable to speak or react. His nose nuzzles the shell of my ear. I shiver and lean closer to him rather than pull away.
Bad decision.
Pull away, girl.
“It drives me crazy that you’re so goddamn gorgeous and there’s nothing I can do about it except stare, marvel, and attempt to recreate on my iPad.”
He draws me?
I turn my head so I can see his eyes. The brilliant blue in his gaze is electric. As if he flicks on a switch, I’m soon all too aware of his delicious scent, manly size beside me, and the undercurrent of need rippling through him.
“Why can’t you do anything about it?” I ask, voice soft as I taunt him.
“Don’t play with me, babe. I almost think you’re asking for something I’m too willing to give.”
It’s a warning.
One last chance for me to be the behaved, responsible adult here.
She’s had a rough week, though, and this girl just wants—no, needs—this man.
“In case it’s not clear, Dempsey, I’m not asking. I’m telling. Do something about it.”
His eyes flicker with fire and then his fingers slip into my hair, curling around the strands to grip them tight. I gasp at how he devours me with just his gaze. A small groan escapes me when he tugs my head back. He follows my lips with his own, barely hovering over mine.
I’m not sure what sort of kiss to expect from him, but the sweet little peck he gives me nearly makes my heart explode.
Is that it?
He’s just going to tease me with a brush of his lips?